When it comes to what you need to become a runner, running is a pretty minimalist sport.
If you’re new to running, you can probably get started with clothes you already have.
All you need is a good pair of running shoes, and you can be good to go and running out the front door you go!
This isn’t to say that getting running shoes should be minimized in any way. In fact, they are probably the most important piece of running gear you’ll need, especially one you start to make running a regular part of your week!
But besides shoes, you can probably make it work with a shirt and shorts you have as a beginner runner.
That said, as you start to get more into running and sign up for your first race, you might start to think about ways that will increase your comfort level on the road or trail. And in some cases, improving comfort can also improve performance!
This type of water bottle is super popular to keep your cold drinks cold! Staying hydrated throughout the day is important so you’ll be ready for your run later!
running couch to 5k – how to start a running blog – gifts for runners
So… what to wear when running?
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Running shoes
Again, it can’t be overstated! Running shoes can really make a difference in how you feel! And they can be one of the components to preventing running injuries.
Having a strong strength and conditioning program is another thing that can help fight running injuries. And there’s a book for that. 😉
But injury prevention is why one of the best things that you can do is to seek out your local running store on advice on which shoes are the best for your feet. And once you’ve got a good pair, you’ll want to make sure to replace the running shoes when the time comes. Wearing worn out shoes can also contribute to running injuries.
Running shirt
To get the most comfort when running, you probably don’t want a shirt that soaks up all of your sweat. That’s what happens when you wear a regular cotton shirt.
Your wet sweat is easily absorbed by your cotton shirt, and it doesn’t dry very quickly either.
Enter…
A moisture-wicking shirt!
With a shirt that’s made of moisture-wicking material, the moisture that’s being wicked away is your sweat!
These types of shirts have a far less absorption rate which can help to keep you more dry and more comfortable. This can be especially helpful on hot days!
In the summer (or as base layers in cold weather), take a look at these types of shirts:
- For women – like these or like these
- For men – like these or like these
In the winter, take a look at these types of shirts as a base layer:
- For women – like these
- For men – like these
Running shorts or tights
The shorts or tights you choose to wear when running is another area that can impact your comfort level when running. Although the difference in comfort from running shorts vs non-running shorts may not be that much. Basically, at the least, workout shorts would be ideal.
Because again, you will manage just fine in any pair of gym shorts you already have! And those actually may be just as comfortable as any running-specific shorts.
But in the case that you’re looking for new clothes to wear when running, here are a few to take a look at.
For shorts to wear when running, look here:
- For women – like these
- For men – like these
For tights to wear when running in cold weather, look here:
- For women – like these
- For men – like these
Running socks
Socks are something that you might consider investing in sooner rather than later, especially if you’ll be running a few days a week.
If you’re just starting out running, you might not have given much thought to the socks you wear when running. Because again, any socks you have will likely do just fine!
But as you start to run more, especially if you’re running in hot weather, it could be more helpful to have some performance socks.
In the way that a moisture-wicking shirt helps to keep the sweat to a minimum, that’s what performance socks can do for your feet. Maybe not as well since your feet are more enclosed than your upper body, but they can still help with your sweaty feet.
Performance socks like these are generally made with mesh material which helps your feet to breathe a little better.
There are also these types of socks, which you may not think of as socks for hot weather, that can also be very good for sweaty feet. They are also good if you are prone to blisters. For long runs especially, these types of socks can be quite helpful.
HAPPY RUNNING!
running in hot weather – running in cold weather
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling